Liverpool will be without Federico Chiesa for Tuesday night’s Champions League showdown against Galatasaray, after the Italian forward was forced out with a minor injury.
Chiesa, who was added to Liverpool’s Champions League squad last week as a replacement for Giovanni Leoni, sustained the knock during Saturday’s Premier League win over Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park. Despite traveling hopes, the 26-year-old has not been named in the 21-man squad that made the trip to Istanbul.
Head coach Arne Slot explained the decision during his pre-match press conference, revealing that while Chiesa attempted to take part in training, he was unable to complete the session.
“He felt a little niggle in the Palace match. He tried it today in training — he even started the session — but he couldn’t finish. For that reason, we thought it was best not to take him. With Chelsea coming up in just a few days, it’s not worth the risk.”
Chiesa’s omission is a blow to Liverpool’s attacking options. Since his arrival in the summer, the Italian international has been tipped to play a key role in the Reds’ European campaign. Fans had been eager to see him feature in the competition for the first time in a Liverpool shirt, but his debut will have to wait.
The timing of the injury, however, could prove manageable. Slot made it clear that the setback is not serious, raising optimism that Chiesa could return for this weekend’s Premier League clash with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. That fixture is already shaping up to be one of the highlights of Liverpool’s early-season schedule.
For now, attention turns to Galatasaray. The Turkish champions are known for their intimidating home atmosphere at Rams Park, and Liverpool will need to call on the depth of their squad to navigate what promises to be a stern test without one of their marquee summer signings.
While Chiesa sits out, the focus will be on how Slot reshuffles his frontline. The manager has rotated heavily across recent matches, and the likes of Luis Díaz, Cody Gakpo, and Darwin Núñez are all expected to shoulder the attacking burden in Istanbul.
Liverpool fans, though, will be reassured by Slot’s calm update — and hopeful that Chiesa’s absence proves only temporary as the Reds prepare for another defining week in their season.
